Termessos was a Pisidian city built at an altitude of more than 1000 metres at the south-west side of the mountain Solymos in the Taurus Mountains.
What is known of Termessos' history commences principally at the time that Alexander the Great surrounded the city in 333 BC; he likened the city to an eagle's nest and in one of few cases, failed to conquer it. Arrian, one of the ancient historians who dealt with this event and recorded the strategic importance of Termessos, notes that even a small force could easily defend it due to the insurmountable natural barriers surrounding the city.
Termessos was an ally of Rome, and so in 71 BC was granted independent status by the Roman Senate; according to this law its freedom and rights were guaranteed. This independence was maintained continuously for a long time, the only exception being an alliance with Amyntas of Galatia.
This independence is documented also by the coins of Termessos, which bear the title "Autonomous".
What is known of Termessos' history commences principally at the time that Alexander the Great surrounded the city in 333 BC; he likened the city to an eagle's nest and in one of few cases, failed to conquer it. Arrian, one of the ancient historians who dealt with this event and recorded the strategic importance of Termessos, notes that even a small force could easily defend it due to the insurmountable natural barriers surrounding the city.
Termessos was an ally of Rome, and so in 71 BC was granted independent status by the Roman Senate; according to this law its freedom and rights were guaranteed. This independence was maintained continuously for a long time, the only exception being an alliance with Amyntas of Galatia.
This independence is documented also by the coins of Termessos, which bear the title "Autonomous".
Modern location: Ruins
(1)
Termessos
Obverse: helmeted and cuirassed Solymos bust right; TEP_M_HCCΩN
Reverse: Tyche standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia; AVTO_NOMΩN
Diameter:
21.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 8.3 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 8.3 g
No notes for this coin
SNG BN Paris 2172; SNG von Aulock 5343,